What describes the severity levels of hearing loss?

The phrase "degree of hearing loss" accurately captures the distinct severity levels of hearing impairment. This terminology is widely used to classify hearing loss based on how much hearing is affected—ranging from mild to profound loss. Audiologists typically measure this using audiometric thresholds, which indicate the softest sounds a person can hear at different frequencies. The degree of hearing loss provides insight into the impact it may have on communication abilities and overall quality of life, making it a crucial factor in developing effective treatment plans, including potential music therapy interventions.

Other terms, while related to auditory function, do not specifically address the concept of severity. "Threshold" refers more to the specific level of hearing at which sounds are detected, rather than categorizing the overall extent of hearing loss. "Range of frequencies" pertains to the variety of pitches a person can hear, which is a different aspect of auditory function. "Type of auditory impairment" deals with the specific nature of the hearing loss, such as conductive, sensorineural, or mixed, rather than the degree or severity itself. Hence, "degree of hearing loss" is the most appropriate choice when discussing severity levels.